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Our Changing Family Life

by Knickerbocker Productions

Publication date 1957

Usage Public Domain

Topics Sociology, Families, Gender roles

Digitizing sponsor N/A

How patterns of family living have changed from the 1880s to the 1950s, shown in dramatized sequences.

Shotlist

CONTRASTS THE CLOSELY-INTEGRATED FAMILY OF THE 1880'S WITH THE FAMILY OF TODAY. EXPLAINS HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION, URBANIZATION & THE POLITICAL & ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION OF WOMEN HAVE CHANGED THE TRADITIONAL PATTERN OF FAMILY LIFE.

FAMILY LIFE WOMEN INDUSTRY Sociology Families (nuclear) Farming Agriculture Plowing Horses Fathers and sons Parents Children Butter (making) Gender roles Women Men Housewives Kitchens Sewing Daughters Grandparents Bells (ringing) Families (at dinner) Dinners Bible (reading) Games Recreation Singing Religion Factories Factory whistles Whistles (factory) Workers Workers (women) Industry Shopping (windowshopping) Feminism Suffragettes Women's history and culture Railroads Wall Street (New York City) Signs (Wall Street) Stock market crash (1929) Depression (1930s) Explosions World War II Soldiers Divorce Crying Tractors Television (watching) Reading Rocking chairs Catch (game) Kisses Motherhood Self-expression Couples (heterosexual) Cards (game) Loneliness Dogs Single people Nuclear family Weddings
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Closed captioning no

Collectionid 00830

Color B&W

Country United States

Identifier OurChang1957

Numeric_id 810

Proddate 1957

Run time 20:03

Sound Sd

Type MovingImage

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Reviews

Reviewer: Mekoja12 - - February 25, 2018
Subject: I would not recommend this

This film completely omits the roles and life of the black family, in doing so it creates an impartial, incomplete and biased narrative of the American family life......in conclusion this film sounds about white.

Reviewer: JayKay49 - - February 23, 2015
Subject: Carefully Stated...Very Matter Of Fact

Illustrates quite accurately and objectively, the differences between farm and urban family life; and that between the late 19th century and the mid twentieth century. Shows clearly and accurately the evolutionary differences between the two during that time span. It even addresses Christian religious practices and how that changed during that period (that would change much more drastically in the next 50 years).

I noticed that every word and phrase in the narrative was carefully chosen - all for accuracy's sake - clearly no political purpose. something one almost never sees these days.

To many, the points made in this film are quite obvious. From my observations (back to the mid 1950's) this film makes perfect sense. I remember in the mid to late 1950's rural people and old timers were a world apart from the urban middle aged folks. It would take 15 to 20 more years for oldsters to, as they say "get cool, get with it."

This film has excellent historical import for those of the sociology ilk.

Reviewer: Mario R.J. Corbin - - August 24, 2012
Subject: A Wonderful Video!

As a college/university professor I highly recommend this video if for no other reason than the cultural and historical authenticity of information provided. It doesn't get more authentic and there is in fact a wealth of information touching upon various themes about the social changes affecting not only the Family as a cultural unit but equally the roles of men, women, grandparents, and children. Remember, this video is only 55 years old yet it discusses issues that are still being debated today! Take it for what it is and enjoy it!

Reviewer: Spuzz - - December 21, 2003
Subject: Then Vs Now... Caring Vs Not Caring.

NEVER ending film comparing the family of 1880 to the family of today. Although this film exposes some facts of the family of today we may giggle at, eg, the father staying home with the fellas to play bridge while mother goes to her women's group meeting. This film is pretty ho-hum in a lot of places, and made me shrug my shoulders in the end.

Reviewer: feather - - October 10, 2002
Subject: Our Changing Family Life

An excellent review of family life and gender roles of the times.
Having been born in 1956, I was raised in this manner. However, I have yet to see many men helping with the housework.
I am female, and a full time carpenter. I also cook, clean, wash, etc.
This film is very valuable, and in very good condition. I recommend it to everyone.

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